Jesus told them another story:

“A man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Give me my share of the inheritance.’ So the father divided his property between them.

Not long after, the younger son gathered everything he had and left for a distant country. There he lived recklessly, spending all his money on wild living. But when he had nothing left, a severe famine struck the land, and he fell into deep need.

He went to work feeding pigs, and he became so hungry that even the pigs’ food looked appealing—but no one gave him anything.

At last he came to his senses. He said, ‘Even my father’s servants have food to spare, and here I am starving. I will go back to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’

So he got up and started home.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The son began his confession, but the father interrupted and called to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and prepare a feast! For my son was lost and is found.’

And they began to celebrate.

But the older son, who had been working in the field, heard music and dancing. When he learned what had happened, he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and pleaded with him.

The older son said, ‘All these years I’ve served you faithfully, yet you never gave me even a young goat to celebrate with my friends. But this son of yours wasted your wealth and now you throw a feast for him.’

The father replied, ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was lost and is found; he was dead and is alive again.’”